What Age Should I Take My Kids To The Dentist?

What age should I take my kids to the dentist?

Everyone wants their child to have a perfect smile, but the work it takes to get there may start earlier than you think. Many parents wait to take their children to the family dentist because they think it is unnecessary until their adult teeth start coming in. Others figure two or three is a good age to start regular dentistry for kids, but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry actually suggests kids start visiting the dentist by age one, or six months following their first tooth eruption. If you have a young child that hasn’t seen the dentist yet, it may be time to look at a family dentist in Fort McMurray.

Why So Early?

Most mothers are astounded by the idea of taking their child to the family dentist at age one, but it actually will do a lot of good in the long run. The dentist will start by looking for bottle caries and take a close look at the bite, jaw, and gums of your child to ensure that everything is growing as it should. He will also look for any signs of decay that could be easily treated now instead of waiting for them to become a full-fledged cavity and will discuss good oral hygiene for babies with you. It’s always good to get a refresher about how to properly care for your baby’s teeth, especially since most people don’t really think much about brushing their infant’s teeth.

Dental Behaviors that Stick

That first visit an office that specializes in dentistry for kids serves more than one purpose. Not only is the dentist looking at your child’s teeth, but he is helping he or she become more comfortable with the idea of child dentistry. Kids that start going to the dentist young are more prepared for the thorough dental visits they will need later that include things such as fluoride treatments, cleanings, and possible cavities. Each early visit prepares a child for the next step and allows them to familiarize themselves with the office chair, dentist, and tools.

Early Prevention Tactics

It is very important that your child hang onto his baby teeth until they naturally fall out on their own because this prevents speech issues and feeding issues from arising. After your first visit to a dentist in Fort McMurray, you should return every six months to continue to prevent future dental issues. As your child grows your dentist will walk you and them through the process of x-rays, sealant, and more.

Never Too Late to Start

If your child is already past their toddler years, there is no reason to feel embarrassed about seeing a dentist. Many parents simply don’t know better, but starting late is better than never. Every child should be seen every six months once they hit the age of one, so if you haven’t been to the dentist now is the time to start. We can help you catch up and work towards that perfect smile. For more information about scheduling your child’s first dental visit give our office a call today.

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